False Christian teachings, trends….
This post contains C H Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening thoughts for May 3rd. Spurgeon’s morning verse is, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” — John_16:33; via this verse, he talks about the furnace of affliction that is necessary to conform the believer into the image of Christ. His evening verse is, “A very present help” — Psalm_46:1. His focus is on encouraging believers to appropriate covenant graces to aid in their struggles.
The following 2-minute excerpt is the conclusion of an 18-minute J R Miller devotional about one’s lot in life: what that is; that God gives it; how to view it; how to thrive in it…. The 18-minute version is also in this post for those who would hear more. Also, there is a link to Christian Sermons and Audio Books J R Miller playlist.
Pastor Stewart’s sermon is on the following text, which he called the most meaningful in the entire Bible regarding practical living of the Christian life; he made the lesson Christ taught His apostles clear for us: Matthew 14:30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. [Sermon highlights are provided]
Spurgeon’s morning thoughts were on, “My heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.” — Psa_22:14; and his evening thoughts, on: “The king’s garden.” — Neh_3:15. And it goes without saying that the writing is full of meaningful, poetic metaphors; the pictures of which increase insight. [I discovered his thoughts when I went to E-sword Bible software to get some scripture for tomorrows post, and was happy to see that today’s thoughts prepare the way to hear tomorrow’s post, even though each stand alone.]
This brief devotional will give you some clarity about what God would have you doing with your life. To be more specific, and to summarize Miller’s words: God has placed you in a specific place, amid a specific group of people, with specific needs…; He has given you talents, interests, abilities… that He expects you to use to SERVE those around you…. J R Miller states that message in a pleasing and kind manner. His words will help you to see and act on those little specific things all around you. [After publishing this post I discovered shorts by MacArthur and Baucham that apply to the matter discussed by Miller, these were added under the Miller video]
The sermon in this post by Pastor Ramsey, examines Paul’s arguments for justification by faith in Galatians 3: 6-9. Understanding this material is foundational to your Christian walk, particularly because the doctrines in this text are largely misunderstood by the contemporary church. To put it differently, if you do not understand the contents of this portion of scripture, then you will not be able to identify when you are committing the spiritually fatal error of seeking to be made right with God by works, instead of by faith. Pastor Ramsey clearly presents Paul’s arguments; thereby arming readers to more easily see their own errors; to throw off such idolatry, via depending upon the Lord in prayer….
Two men had pursued a life of crime; they were angry with God, and now they stood on the brink of eternity. Pastor Colin talks about how something changed in one man’s soul, and he cried out to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Discover the stunning words Jesus said to this man. [This 2-part sermon gives very clear teaching about how one is saved by the Lord Jesus Christ. Those Christians who fear they will never be sufficiently good to enter into heaven will be greatly uplifted by the contents of this sermon, particularly, Roman Catholics. But I know many Christians, including myself, who wrongly think that our own performance has something to do with entering into heaven. Sermon points are included for part 1
In the 6-minute video of this post, John Newton asks the question, “What is covetousness?” He then provides an answer, beginning with the statement, “a sin from which few people are entirely free.” Newton based his brief exposition on Ephesians 5:5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. [Video highlight points provided]
Newton’s words indicate that affliction is a necessary Christian experience; the following points are from the video: The school of the cross teaches one to extract real good out of seeming evil; The flesh is a dunce in this school; Grace makes the spirit willing to learn by suffering so that one’s flesh may be mortified; Such is necessary for conformity to Christ…
There are two 4-minute devotionals in this post by Rev. John Newton; each, talks about a different aspect of the believer’s helplessness apart from the upholding loving care of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am posting them because in my own life I have seen that it is very difficult to walk with the Lord by faith instead of my own fleshly strength; I believe that many other Christians also struggle with this condition. I am sure that the Holy Spirit has revealed this to me in all of my failings. Have you seen this problem in your own walk? If not, then these devotionals may provide a few necessary clues….